Release date: June 23,2015
Running time: 35:14, 11 +1 tracks
The songwriting team Petr Polák-Radim Lapčik backed by their bandmates Jakub "Jayne" Boháč (guitar) , Martin Marek Menšík (drums) and Pavel "Pšenda" Pšeničk (bass) have just released their long-awaited follow-up to their "Selection of Grapes" EP from 2013. Even if accordionist Honza "Peky" Pekárek is no longer with Vintage Wine, the band is as tight as ever. In fact Vintage Wine keep on developing their own brand of folk-rock blending influences from the celtic lands, the Scandinavian countries and Czech bands like Čechomor.
"Thrashfolk" consists of 8 original numbers, one ballad, one traditional song with self-penned lyrics and the cover of a song from the science fiction television series Firefly. The track that opens the album is titled "Whisky Trail": amazing mandolin and fantastic fiddling and percussion. The following number is called "Such is Life". Radim has written some lyrics to the music of "Auld Lang Syne", a tale about a musician who thought that he was the best and he ruined his life.
After those kick-ass songs, Vintage Wine deliver a straight fiddle folk-rock number: "I Never Walk Around" and a different cover of "Star of the Co. Down" with rap vocals and excellent fiddle arrangements at the end. Then, they come back to the original numbers: "Radio Edith". The tale occurs in the XXI century, but the story is rooted in the folk tradition.
"Rocky Goes to Dublin" is a proof of Vintage Wine musicianship. A badass instrumental featuring Survivor "Eye of The Tiger". Not only are Vintage Wine brilliant musicians, but they also pick up the right covers. "Hero of Canton" comes from a TV series, but both music and lyrics have the folk touch.
"Woodcutter" is one of my faves. Perfect vocals, and great mandolin and fiddle performances. Let alone the lyrics, with the usual Vintage Wine stamp. Poor old woodcutter, he lost his virility."After Life" is fiddle folk-punk at its best, a sort of a cross between Tricks Upon Travellers and Romanian gypsy bands.
"Tree" is another fiddle-led upbeat song with sing-along chorus and the "last" song "Hangman" an epic mid-tempo number. The bonus track is a Czech version of track no. 3.
"Thrashfolk" packaging is a digipack with a superb artwork. The 8 track booklet includes all the lyrics to the songs, pics of every band member, line-up, recording credits and band links. The album has been recorded at ExAvik studios by Pavel Brom and mastered at Studio Pyha by Přemek Haas. Therefore, Vintage Wine have worked again with the same people that recorded and mastered their previous recordings, and Jindra Polák has been once again in charge of the graphic design.
Vintage Wine found their own way a long time ago. Even if they are not as well-known as other European acts, I feel that these guys CDs are very interesting. Come on, grab a pint and buy "Thrashfolk"!
Tracklist:
01 - Whisky Trail (3:15)
02 - Such is Life (4:05)
03 - I Never Walk Around By (2:43)
04 - Star of the County Down (2:14)
05 - Radio Edith (2:48)
06 - Rocky Goes to Dublin (2:56)
07 - Hero of Canton (2:34)
08 - Woodcutter (1:54)
09 - Afterlife (2:41)
10 - Tree (3:43)
11 - Hangman (3:08)
12 - U Dunaje mezi poli (Bonus track, 2:43)
Bandzone
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Review by Kinksmarkham
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